I was just on a business trip and, as usual, I opened all the drawers in the room to be sure I didn’t leave anything behind. Which didn’t help because I left my iPhone recharger on the desk. But I digress.

As one almost always finds, there was a Bible in the drawer. I was surprised to find a Book of Mormon. After all, I was in California. Aha, I was in a Marriott. No, I’m not going to write about the Marriott boycott (surprised you, eh?). I’m going to write about something everyone knows. Well, maybe everyone except the Christian right.

That darn gay agenda. You know. The one that no one remembers reading or signing? Could someone send it to me? I’m sure it didn’t come to me because I am straight. Honestly LGBT folks, can’t you be gracious enough to include your allies?

I came across an article on a conservative news site, Human Events, by Gary Bauer, a former Presidential candidate.

I’m not even going to bother to quote anything he says. Surprised again? Today, I’m just too lazy. I’m in a “how many times do I have to blog this?” mode. It was the same old tired lies. I simply left a comment pointing out some facts, knowing full well that I can’t change his mind. I mean, if the man doesn’t get global warming, he isn’t going to get this.

I also like to check out the reader’s comments. I found one from a conservative that, gasp, did not offend me. I found it…. intelligent.

I blog here a lot, and I am a staunch supporter of cornerstone issues that many conservatives got cold feetover: Iraq War, Patriot Act, etc. What I don’t understand is why what gays say or don’t say affects my life in any way. Perez Hilton? I’m concerned with a wilting Obama re: North Korea, Iran, and Russia. Gas is soon to hit $4.00 again. Liberals want to tax me for my HMO to pay for people who are here illegally to get new boobs. I am supposed to care about Perez Hilton?

God almighty, I live in the SF Bay Area, and if gays and lesbians represented some threat, I think I’d know. (Emphasis added) Perez Hilton is an idiot because he is Perez Hilton, not because he is gay. His brain in John Wayne’s body would still function like a cartoon character.

I have 5 kids–none are homophobes–all are conservative. Anyone who knows much about Perez Hilton is watching the wrong channel.

The conservative movement would be wise to focus on the major issues of our time. The more thou protest loudly, the more I wonder. (Emphasis added)

1.Full civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals must be enacted now. Delay and excuses are no longer acceptable.

2.We will not leave any part of our community behind.

3.Separate is never equal.

4.Religious beliefs are not a basis upon which to affirm or deny civil rights.

5.The establishment and guardianship of full civil rights is a non-partisan issue.

6.Individual involvement and grassroots action are paramount to success and must be encouraged.

7.Success is measured by the civil rights we all achieve, not by words, access or money raised.

8.Those who seek our support are expected to commit to these principles.

Notice what is not in the agenda? No LGBT person is coming to your house, your school, not even your hotel room (well… maybe if you are a closeted Republican or Fundamentalist in denial about your own sexuality – [seriously, seek competent help and learn to love yourself as you are]). No one is going to ask your religion to marry them if your religion doesn’t believe in that. No one is going to recruit your children because every gay person knows that sexual orientation is not a choice.

There are many problems in our world. Each of us has a choice regarding our own beliefs and what we contribute to this world. None of us has a choice with regard to our sexual orientation, our race, our ethnicity, our gender, or parents. Christ, Gandhi, Buddha, the Dalai Lama, Al Gore, Maya Angelou, Melissa Etheridge, Ellen Degeneres and many others have called upon us to care for one another and to care for the earth. Use your energy, time and money to do good.